answer:I don’t think it’s an either / or question. Yes – one’s personality and friendliness are important, no matter what they look like. On the other hand, much of a person’s self-image (particularly women) is based on how they perceive what their appearance is. (Note – not what their actual appearance is, but what they think their appearance is). So to the degree that a person doesn’t feel good and comfortable about his/her looks, it affects his/her personality. In an ideal world, looks would be completely irrelevant – in your words – skin deep. But we don’t live in an ideal world. My thinking is beauty is a combination of looks and personality – but there is no set ratio (50/50, 40/60). Every person is different. Every combination is different.